You need to understand the market, advertise to buyers, show it in the best light, know what to say and what not to say, be skilled at negotiation, understand contracts, and much more.If you don't know how valuable a good agent can be, it's because you've never used one, or they made it look easy because they are skilled. 

What's good here in Columbus is aside from being a great market to find cash flowing deals, construction costs and timelines are pretty reasonable compared to other cities.

The nice thing is you can use those pictures in the future when you go to sell the property

I read newspapers (Digital) in the markets I am interested in.

Remember that they put their best foot forward before the investment, so it only gets worse from there.You said you were eager for this opportunity.  

We need to go back and refi some just in one of our names in order to free up some space. 

In my instance there ended up being other disqualifying issues so I just said no.

Hi Chris - Fred & Tracy are very helpful in the seller finance space and are very reasonably priced.

I believe that any losses you have in the stock market could offset rental income.On the other hand, the better solution is to not have any net rental income. 

An agent has an obligation/duty to be honest and deal in good faith.